“Wildlife teaches us how to live honestly. Animals don’t pretend, they don’t take more than they need, and they don’t harm without reason. When we protect them, we’re also protecting the most truthful version of life itself.”
– Himanshu Sood
When you step into the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, and begin a tour, it is not the vast enclosures or the gentle presence of the rescued elephants that speak first; it is a voice. A gentle, passionate and deeply impactful voice that carries a lot of conviction and knowledge about wild animals, especially the ones at our centres. There is no urgency in it, but every word holds weight. It invites you to listen, to unlearn and deconstruct your preconceived notions about wild animals, and to see them not as objects of entertainment and labour, but as individuals with history, memory, and agency.
That voice belongs to Himanshu Sood.
Himanshu believes that non-human animals represent life in its purest, most honest form. His journey has been shaped by reflection, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and wildlife.
Born and raised in New Delhi, Himanshu completed his schooling at Summer Fields School before pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer applications. Outside of academics, while growing up, he loved travelling. He began his professional journey in the IT sector, but over time, he realised that a corporate life of comfort could not fulfil his deeper calling.
Himanshu has been associated with Wildlife SOS for almost four years now and is currently part of the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) team as an Education Officer. Let’s get to know more about him.
Wildlife — What does this word mean to you, and what got you interested in wildlife?
For me, wildlife is the only truth of life. It represents life in its most honest form, untouched by agendas or expectations. My connection with animals has always felt natural, as if it was already there. From a very young age, I was drawn to dogs, cats, horses, and wild animals alike.
Wildlife to me is about protection, responsibility, coexistence, and a deep emotional connection. It reminds us that humans are not separate from nature, but a part of it.
When did you realise that you need to work towards wildlife conservation?
I realised that wildlife is in danger during my childhood itself, especially after reading books that spoke about animals, forests, and human impact. However, this understanding became deeply personal when I saw the world around me was completely unbothered by depleting forest.
Being present and witnessing how a single life was saved brought in me an immense sense of responsibility. It was no longer just about awareness, but about taking action.
How did you get involved with Wildlife SOS? And how has your journey been with Wildlife SOS so far?
I got to know about Wildlife SOS through Friendicoes, Wildlife SOS’s sister organisation that works towards the welfare of domestic animals. And when I did, I joined Wildlife SOS as a full-time staff member, eager to learn and contribute.
Over time, my role evolved, and I now conduct educational tours at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. My journey with Wildlife SOS has been soulful. It has shaped not just my professional life, but also my understanding of conservation and purpose. I have also been part of rescues including Bani’s which truly left its mark on me, watching such a sweet calf go through such hardships but still succeeding with just her determination. Beyond education, I am also involved in management, fundraising, and donor and supporter retention. At Wildlife SOS, we consider our supporters to be part of our family, as it is through their continued support that we are able to care for such dynamic and remarkable animals. Nurturing and maintaining this relationship is therefore extremely important to me, especially as over time, I have come to know some of them really well.
Education is one of the most crucial pillars in this line of work. What are the challenges you face as an education officer at ECCC?
One of the biggest challenges I face is addressing deeply ingrained misconceptions. Many people believe that elephants are domestic animals and that humans can ride them or use them for entertainment. Visitors often expect touching, feeding, or close interactions. The most difficult audience is those who are rigidly wired in their thinking and not open to listening or understanding. However, I genuinely enjoy these challenges. That is precisely why I chose this role. I love creating conversations that often confuse and confound them! Eventually, the questions they raise are what can lead to awareness and change.
For me, wildlife conservation and environmental protection are deeply personal mindsets. They are values that need to come from within and cannot be forced onto anyone. My aim is simply to guide people toward these ideas and allow them to arrive at their own conclusions. If I manage to plant even a small seed of thought in someone’s mind, I consider the day a success.
Who is your conservation role model and how does the person inspire you?
It is difficult to name just one role model. I draw inspiration from many people — my parents, family, friends, and the good people I work with and meet along the way. From my school teachers to our co-founders, each of them has shaped me in different ways and continues to inspire me. I try to take something meaningful from every person I meet in life. I also try to see the essence of God in every being.
Some of your most favourite and memorable moments working for Wildlife SOS.
There have been many memorable moments, but one that stands out was during the rescue of Bani. I still remember the moment I was sitting next to Bani in the ambulance and comforting her. It was like being with one of the purest souls in this world. The feeling of comforting this baby who has been through all this trauma, can’t be explained in words. It stays with me forever.
What stays with me the most is witnessing lives being saved and seeing people become more aware and informed every single day. Those moments make all the effort worthwhile.
Each elephant rescue is a memorable moment.
To end on a good note, what is your vision for the future?
My vision is to grow further in education, outreach, and conservation leadership. With Wildlife SOS, I hope to contribute towards ending elephant rides completely in India. If more people understood that this Earth is not just our home, wildlife would be far safer. I want my work to help build that understanding.
Himanshu Sood’s work and his journey constantly remind us that conservation doesn’t always need to be flashy and loud; sometimes it can grow through honest conversations, patience, and the courage to care deeply.
Feature Image: Mradul Pathak/Wildlife SOS
